What's Wrong with the Plumbers Union? - the Good and the Bad
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ค. 2024
- Y'all know I was in the plumber's union for a long time... Key word is WAS. From all my years experience in I think I've got a really good understanding of the good and the bad things in the union. Check it out and let me know if you think I'm on point with this or not!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach homeowners how to save money on their plumbing by doing DIY plumbing projects. I also teach plumbers and plumbing company owners how to be the best plumbers in their area and run successful plumbing businesses. My goal is teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.
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What do you think about my critiques? Was I on-point or was I wrong?
I think you gave your opinion :)
Roger Wakefield I understand your opinion and I respect it I have been a plumber almost 26 years I am very thankful to my late father in-law for teaching me the trades when I was 18 he was a contractor we didn’t sub anything out so he trained us to turn key projects I really enjoy your channel my biggest knock on the union it protects lazy tradesmen lol
Roger. Im a local 230 pipefitter, welder. This union is very weak, only Steady Eddie's stay busy. No work, its sad.
Im a local 440 plumber in Indiana. I’ve been in ten years now and I can say this, what you said is fair...I do mostly maintenance, fixing plumbing systems, leaks, Heating hot water systems, steam and condensate. There is definitely a demand for skilled workers and I know many “book buyers” who in all honesty are even better than people like me who went through the apprenticeship. You can tell when there’s a job coming up and they hire people from the hall, who is going to stay after the jobs done and who is going to get sent back. I joined the union because I needed a solid training structure, I’m just one of those people. And I like the point you made about wages, in this trade whether it’s union or not we are competing with each other, and keeping a valuable plumber right now is much more valuable than getting rid of a bad one. I think the competition between union shops and non union shops drives wages up, at least for big construction like you said, right now here in Indiana a good plumber can easily bring home 6 figures a year but you’re not going to bring that home if you aren’t worth. The biggest thing I’ve learned from this trade is that no matter who you work for, you will ONLY get out of it, what you put into it.
There is some validity to your complaints, but no system is perfect. The idea is to work to make it better, not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Unions raise wages for all in their field, you would not be able to pay your nonunion guys as much if the wages weren't negotiated up by unions. Union numbers have been going up recently as well, not sure about your local area but overall there has been growth. The union benefit to the contractor is that you can man up a job with well trained, safety minded workers who will protect your bottom line and EMR.
Union carpenter for 36 years retired with a pension health and insurance . I own 4 houses. Thank you labor unions!
I rent them
No I have had some bad ones but you learn how to pick them, been doing this for 24 years
@@jackfarrell4727 I had the same question at first but after seeing that you rent them, that's actually really smart. I just hope you're good to your tenants. I've had a few bad landlords tbh.
@@TheDonSapius I am an excellent landlord I take very good care of my places. Thank you for your question
Alexander Ayers who cares if he’s a good or bad landlord? He was able to buy 4 houses by being a union carpenter which was the point...
I’m a 3rd year apprentice in a union and I show up work hard and I’ve learned so much in my short time. I’ve never had any issues whatsoever. I’ve always been respected and taken care of by all my foremen and journeymen. I love that I know I’m doing something at no cost to me that can provide for my family.
That is awesome Andrew! I still tell people that getting into the union is a great thing to do. I think the education and the benefits make it worth it!
Hi Andrew. I just applied to the steamfitters union today. Hope I get accepted. I am hungry to learn this trade and gain experience. I enjoy the math involved with it too! Hope you finish the program!
Im about to apply to join when the apprenticeship opens back up. A have a journeyman that's a roommate. I'm excited. I'm female, though, so we'll see how that goes.
@@angeldark404 there is always a need male or female. We have a couple females in our local. Good luck hope it works out and you get in!!!
Was there ranking system? If so what was your rank after interview
You should do a video on the difference between plumbers and pipefitters
I got into the Electricians Union right out of highschool, did 5 years apprenticeship and just hit 25 years in the Union. I’ve be worked solid all these years. General Forman now running big work it’s been a great career!!
I left the union. But I would go back.
Why? Pretty simple.
UNION for commercial projects.
Non-UNION for residential services.
I want to own a residential plumbing company in the future but I’m barely looking into the trade, do you think it’s better to go non union since it’s more residential?
@@alexrodriguez-bd4pj non union for residential.
@@alexrodriguez-bd4pjbro from personal experience i would just go and join the union. Worked for 4 years in the non-union and from what Ive seen it’s a lot more fast paced for less pay and significantly less benefits. I just got into the union this week and while i did take a pay cut my journeyman and foreman have told me i don’t really know how good i have it until i’ll retire. Wanna make less go non-union, but wanna make $50+ and benefits go union well at least here in jersey, unions down south might pay less and have less work. You could always go on your own being in the union after you top out and decide to get your business/contractor’s license. Ive had some guys who had their own company tell me to just go union and work because they get old and have to be chasing work and checks which sucks but Ive also seen guys make very good money owning their own businesses but they’re not doing residential, they’re doing commercial/industrial or at the very least doing very high end custom homes
I'm a union plumber with local 75 out of Wisconsin. I didn't the bulk of my apprenticeship at a non union shop. Now, I can only speak for my personal experience but I saw more "good old boys" clubs in non union shops than I have in union shops. I think the decision weather to be union depends on each person's needs and wants. I enjoy your videos Roger. Keep up the good work.
I’m 118 out of Wisconsin as well, apprentice.
Wisconsin 118 apprentice as well. Union is the way to go
How much u make
Open shop, and it’s good ol boys everywhere
@Lord Marshall Consuelo Wubba tell them you voted blue and don’t vote blue 👍🏽
I've been in service for 3 years, and my favorite part is that I'll work on everything from cups and springs all the way to big commercial heater replacements. Always different every day, and I work for a good company that really cares about me and my work.
Ok mike, I’m giving you your raise LoL
I am a Union HVAC Technician in Louisiana. The best thing about the hall in my opinion is how helpful it is to begin your adult life and try to do something with it. I’ve been in it for 7 years and I am grateful for where the hall has given me the steps I need to take in order for me to be successful.
Question is today would you make more money staying in the union or leaving the union?
@@jamesjodon7038knowing Louisiana. You best stay in Union if you want to live decently lol
I'll be a 2nd year apprentice on feb.10th and so far I'm not complaining. School SUCKS right now because of Covid19 but I'm still not complaining, yet! I've heard good and bad. But right now I'm okay with everything. Thanks for your videos I've been watching them ever since I joined. (I'm the 2nd black female plumber in my local, I'm a living legend 😎)
Any tips for a starting apprentice? I’ll be applying to local 469
Best video on this topic. Your experience you shared are the same as mine. Both the pros and cons. One big con left out that many guys experience is lay offs once the job is finished. Thank god I didn't have to experience that much myself.
Thanks for sharing Charles King! I didn't experience it much either.
Layoffs and Travel to where the work is...
I was a union Sheetmetal worker for 4 years, During my 3rd year I was given a truck and a crew by the company and was running my own jobs making journeyman scale. A few journeyman had a problem with this and filed grievances. 2 months later I owed the union 10k or I would lose my job. I walked away, took a different path in life and I’m happy as can be. But the good old boys club has to go!
I also paid the appropriate dues for my pay scale.
I support unions still but I will never work for one again.
Something doesn't add up. I think you were 3rd year making journeyman wage was running crew full of other apprentices which means no journeyman. Ofcourse is kinda messed up because all companies would take advantage lay their journeymen off and hire cheap-o apprentices only. Your boss screwed you over and took advantage of you to stick it to union.
@@Holop88 Thing is, there wasn't any journeyman on the bench. I negotiated my own wage, Which is technically allowed. Required by the union is only a Minimum rate of which a 3rd-year apprentice gets paid.
Why would you own them money?
The bottom line for me is the money, where I’m at union wages are at $56 an hour total package, non union shops are twenty dollars less and no pensions maybe health care for the worker, as for union dues that twenty dollars an hour more makes up for the 2-3 thousand to be in the union
Nonyabisnus B I don’t disagree. It is wonderful for employees. I love the training.
Granted I don’t know what local you are in and what city but $56 and hour is probably just take home. You’re total package is probably close to double that
JRIDable ours is getting close to $50 total package. Well worth the union dues.
Roger Wakefield wow in Philadelphia our journeymen are making just under $60 take home and total package is close to double
We make 39.77 on the check. Our total package is 80+
Damn, this is kind of a shock. Im new to your channel and probably watched 20-30 bids, but def 1000% took you fpr a union guy thru and thru
Currently, I'm a high school student in a 2 year course that gives me my first year of electrical
Hell yeah, you're ahead. Keep thinking about your future and get started early like you're doing. By the time you're 25 like me you'll be loving yourself for worrying about your future and getting your foot in the door early. Unlike me, just now getting started..
Union sheetmetal apprentice. Best thing as of right now is the quality of education. And they’re still finding ways to improve and grow.
For some reason i had some weird sense of respect for tin bashers, even if they make alot of noise!
I've been in the UA for 15 years. Started out right out of high school. Got in as HVACR Tech. the decision I made as a young kid coming out of high school.
The pension and the benefits are great. Education is top notch. We have a different contract from the plumbers. We also do get holiday pay.
C. Rockhill congratulations! I think the union is great for employees. I loved it!
I am 100% UA. I has been incredibly awesome to me. I agree with a large portion of what you're saying, and I hope someone in the UA sees this and starts incentivizing members starting their own businesses.
I work hard. I’m smart. I applied with the union didn’t hear anything from them. Applied at a open shop learned from a master plumber, probably the best plumber in the metro area I live in (service plumber). Now the union leaders approach and want me to join. When asked about joining with no experience they said “you really need to know some one to get in”. The union needs to take a chance on guys. I am a successful service plumber with the house and car to prove it. I wouldn’t join the union now because it would be a pay cut. That good old boy or family member only mentality will be the end of the union.
"master plumber" lol sounds like something house plumbers use to make themselves smarter
That maybe lol
I'm out of UA Local 525 in Vegas.
I'm a licensed plumber, pipefitter, hold my rigging certs. Have worked service side, commercial, new construction, remodels, refineries, nuke plants, Etc.
There is great truth to what you shared in this video.
There are many that have very arrogant and condescending attitudes towards organized hands, book buyers, or rats as you mentioned.
I've worked alongside some amazingly skilled hands that cane from outside the union.
It amazes me how threatened some become when those from outside the union join the ranks.
There is no better time to come along side and embrace a new member, encouraging them with a genuine Brotherhood that is supposed to be what the Union is all about.
I've seen many of the good old boys, the cliques, the stubborn that refuse to evolve and grow into new ways, tools, technologies.
Too many that view the contractor as an enemy and not a partner.
No contractors = no employer
You nailed it in regards to the life changing benefits financially offered to the members.
As well as the challenge it creates for contractors to bid jobs.
Our local has two scales one for residential/service
The other for commercial/new construction
Finally trying to regain market share in the residential service sector.
Training is absolutely top notch and critical tio making oneself a valuable asset to the contractors and your union.
It is unfortunate that it is boom or bust when a Union hand. Yet a blessing with the great training, I'm able to travel to any local that is needing men to man the work.
While the open shop hands seem to have many options whether booming or not.
Solid arguments by you both pro and con.
They're not life changing, the health insurance sucks for what the union is. My dad had way better insurance years ago through his union than my union gives me now. It all depends where you are, here in the midwest you get fucked a lot
Thank you for the information
I agree with almost everything you said except for what you brought up about people not being yelled at if they just do what they’re supposed to do. I was harassed CONSTANTLY at my last job because my management was jealous that I was in my early 20’s making the same money they made after 10 years of work. Being the youngest in any profession is so damn difficult. You get poked and poked and poked until you can’t handle it anymore and then when you say something you have become the entitled youth of the group.....it’s extremely stupid. And North Carolina is a right to work state so employers can do whatever they please to employees.....it’s bad for employees in this state....
Move to a non right to work state.
Roger you are doing a amazing job with this channel. Thank you
De Tee thank you! We are having fun and sharing knowledge...
I'm a non union residential new construction plumber, best part is there is ALWAYS work. There's more work than all of the plumbers can Actually produce. Just in one house alone you can do the underground, gas, vents, top soil, and potable water. So imagine if the job has 15-20 houses! 💰💰💰
all reasons I had put the open shop plumbing apprenticeship higher on my list of hopefuls to get into than the union one
4th year plumbing apprentice here in Toronto. Wage is amazing, we work 36 hour work weeks, so we have every Friday off which is so amazing, gives more time to do side jobs🤑🤑
Is it a union job? I'm in Waterloo going to conestoga college for pre apprenticeship.
Helmut Koeckritz Local 46 Union yes!
Any advice for getting into plumbing in Ontario? I'm Canadian, about an hour and a half outside of Toronto.
@@sarahgardner8856 I live an hour outside of Toronto and knowing someone definitely helps, but keep applying your self to Local 46 . They have intakes every now and again!
@@zResi would it be a good idea to do a 8-12 week pre-apprenticeship programs before trying to join?
I have been a member of Local 94 insulators union since 2011. I have seen SEVERAL union folks do some pretty questionable work. Not all union folks are up to par, but some of us try to keep ourselves to the union standards. Good work can come from both union AND non union!!
I think if you're in construction union is the way to go. Service on the other hand is dominated by non-union work and that's how it should be. Service is where the money is.
For the culture point, I love my union for that. everyone is always open for new ideas and new technology while still being old school
Your video guy cracks me up LMAO!
I most likely won't even own a plunger for the rest of my life, but these videos are kinda great anyways. Holds up for any profession
As growing up in a pro labour union family (local 183) with a sister with a disability the benefits are amazing for employees but as a business owner I could see where there's some negativity towards unions
Union Steamfitter. The best thing is still the pension. I really appreciate the training, but like you said it can be hit or miss with the instructors.
@@jhonni7629 I can’t speak about plumbing vs pipefitting, but pipefitting and steamfitting are the same job. Steamfitting is a more antique term for it, as pipe fitters mostly worked with steam engines back in the day
HVAC/R local 166. I've enjoyed the opportunity to work in bigger facilities than I had outside of the union.
John McMaster the biggest and best jobs I did were in the union...
In Chicago I am a non union shop for 20 years and have always believed in quality work no matter what. Recommend by many local villages . But in the city itself the inspectors are told to fail our inspections before they even leave the office . Unoin reps on my jobs tell me to not keep full time employees,never been a big fan.
Very much agree. For a young guy starting out. The only thing i dont thing you would get going union is cross training between trades. In my 20yrs as a skilled trades person ive been able to do construction and service doing plumbing hvac and refrigeration. I do not think i would have gotten as broad of experience from a union job. On the flip side i would likely have better retirement
Member of 449 here. The residential market is a hard to use union. Your bread and butter is industrial work and maintenance contracts but it depends how your local is set up. If you're in a combination local of plumbers and pipefitters its easy to find those types of work opportunities. Pipe is pipe. If you're just a streamline local you get into jurisdiction disputes.
I started non union and brought the skills and speed to the table. Capital Plumbing and Heating was the best. Shout out to Ron,Jack and Mark more power to Capital. Rat means we work fast and efficient.
started at tristate
I'm a long time IBEW member. Very upset with there political views! They should focus on the craft not campaign contributions. Great video sir!
I've found most HVAC guys only do one of two things, sell you new or charge double if you just want it fixed.
I agree, I’m have been worked both. I’m non Union now. In my opinion a good majority of people in the union are stuck in the past. I have met a lot of good people in the union and non union. I think it just comes down to the persons character and doing the right thing.
Steamfitter local 118, teaching is great and the expectation of doing things the right way in my opinion is the best
i was ua steamfitter. i may not have been in agreement with the local or the ua but dam was a great gig.
Journeyman from open shop to the local nearly doubled my hourly rate plus the Bennie's and. Best thing short of running my own shop. The bureaucracy is a different story...
Hi Roger,
Thanks for posting. I do like the points you gave pro and con for Unions.
Unions across the board have been taking it on the chin the past few years. They can only blame themselves.
Un
I'm not here to pass judgement. Union membership has very nice benefits. It will help keep food on your table and a roof over your head. We are all individuals who are free to make our own choices. You want to work hard and safely be respectful to your employer and co workers way to go.
Its not how much money you make its how much you save.
Personal income is personal (private) you want to put your private business on the street go right ahead.
I'm am thankful for what I have.
Local 94 Operating Engineers
Thank you for collective bargaining. Let's be respectful of all. (Plumbers crack included) Very few are born with that. :)
Michael Brennan I believe in the union. If they did some things differently they could own the trades in the US. I wish they would. I am just making points here that it’s not all peaches and cream. I made the choice to be a union contractor when I started my company. Now I make the choice not to be.
@@RogerWakefield Thank you Roger. Yes. I takes a true determination to start your own company. Most small companies cannot survive under the by-laws of what union members are entitled to.
I have heard a story of a HVAC company that to close shop due to their union card holding members refused to work at a specific job location. (Wth??)
I would find it VERY difficult to run my own mechanical business.
I've seen good and bad on both sides of this debate.
I knew I was a little short on the mechanical end so I decided to get a 4 year college degree. (BS Organizational Leadership)
I could not sit behind a desk all day. I like to trouble shoot and make repairs.
Here in NYC the labor unions have felt the effects of open markets. Its such a back/forth. I come from a Union family unfortunately one word of advice my Dad (RIP) told me is that the unions tend tk protect the trouble makers. Gives the rest of the union members a bad name.
Be well Roger and work safe.
Hello Texas!!
2nd year bta. I work for a small mechanical outfit. Medically retired from the military, went through the VIP and came straight into the union a couple weeks after I was discharged.
Ive got my gripes about the local, but all in all, I've got it pretty good.
The work ethic from the military carried over into the building trades seamlessly, and I'd recommend it to any other vet that still wants to work with their hands.
The so called "Brotherhood" in the local is extremely subjective, but there's definitely some guys that'll watch your back if they see that you work hard.
I love it, and I appreciate it for what it is.
After watching "Right to Work" fights, seeing what happened to GM (my grandfather retired from there. When asked what he did, "when I'm tired, I pull a piece of cardboard and take a nap), and the whole black balling thing, I'm not really interested in unions.
Wow Roger you nailed this one right on brotha I couldn’t agree more
Joshua Ferreira I have people contact me everyday about getting into the union. Both contractors and hands. I am being 100% honest and transparent here. I like the union, it's just not for everyone. Especially smaller contractors.
I got into the plumbers and steamfitters union in So. Cal right out of High school in the early 80's. I graduated a 5 year apprenticeship program. I stayed a member for 13-1/2 years. I tried to stay educated and be more employable by getting as many extra cards and certificates through Journeyman classes to expand my knowledge. Plumbing, steam fitting, high purity piping systems for microchip industry, medical gas piping, orbital welding, etc. I always showed up on time, worked hard, and got things done. Having gone through all of that I still rarely worked year round. I only hade 9-1/2 years pension credits after 13-1/2 years membership. Never enough work for everybody to stay employed. Too much non union competition. I tried traveling to sister locals to stay working and never got hired on. Got the same answer at all of them, "we don't have enough work for our own let alone outside members". After several years not being able to work I had to quit and go non union. The union kept my hard earned 9-1/2 years pension credits because the rule was it took 10 years to be vested. Now years later I'm disability retired at 58 and I could really use that money. Bottom line, the unions want to own your soul.
Damn that sucks, sorry to hear that brother
same thing in the operating engineers graduated the apprenticeship and went to all the extra classes and the contractors told me the i didnt have enough experience would work about 5 months out of the year got vested thank god but at 48 i cant keep doing this just changed careers and wont be going back again worked mostly august sept and october then layed off till april keep getting told you need more training and you go and get the training and they tell you need more training go get your cdl and still nothing its all the same for everyone dude who makes it in the union till retirement 9 others dont unions no different from a temp agency just pays better way better you werent the only one brother
Can you do some videos on how to fix water heaters and how to fix a faucets
Was a union sheetmetal worker...Worked on Gov job back in the late 80's the nice thing was making 27.50 an hour at 19 to 20 yrs old good times. Also did a lot of Hospital work in those sub floors fitting duct work downside was back problems after 10 hour days bent half over lol.
The best part of being a plumber is I own the knowledge in my head and i can sell it for whatever price i want.
Plumbing for over 30 years and worked in and out of the Union. My Union scale now is $30.48 with $42.48 total package ( including benefits). Worked for Non Union shop for 6 years $30 an hour zero benefits. While working for the Non Union shop I collected directly from the customer who was charged $89 just for me showing up and $160 an hour for my labor. At the least I made over $1,200.00 a day and have collected over $6000 in one day. Done a water service in one day with less than $100 material and $600 labor. We charged book prices on that job and I collected $6000 that afternoon. If a Non Union shop says they can't match what the Union gives to their plumbers they are nothing more than greedy. I left the Non Union shop and they're about to lose another very good plumber to the Union because of greed. I've done all the up sale on jobs. Talked owners into repipes, going tankless and more but NOTHING for me but my wages. Non Union shops are basically saying I'll use you to get rich without one single drop of sweat.
In South Jersey we call people who came up in an open shop then turn Union a clear in
Hey I’m looking to get into the plumbing field but I really just wanna get into the trade to do my own residential thing would you recommend I join the union or go to a paid school?
I’m a commercial service plumbers helper here in nyc. It is possible for me to attend the training center/ school while not being in the union or staying in my job? I enjoy the company where I work at but I want to get as much education as possible even if it comes out of my own pocket. Is it possible?
Eli2Fly I don't think they will let you do that. The union doesn't want to train their competition.
I'm interested in entering the plumbing trade and stumbled upon your channel. Good eye contact and speaking. I am currently working as a Drain Tech and hurt my back lifting a heavy snake and got no loss pay from my employer via WCB. I'm looking towards going to find a plumber who's a journeyman/red seal certified. I hear when working under an actual plumber you don't have lift 100 lb equipment, is there anything else I should be aware of before I take the "plunge" (plumber's pun) into plumbing?
Union, journeyman plumber. The structure is the best part of the UA in my option. The employee hand book for instance.
Union Sheet Worker 20 yrs. Not active because I changed careers. Retirement for sure. Even without my 30 in and I'm not active i can look forward to a pretty decent portion of my pension.
Hey Roger, journeyman service mechanic here. Which local would you recommend in TX? I’m trying to figure out which market is best for hvac service.
If I complete my apprenticeship in California and receive my journeyman license, can I transfer to a different union in another state like Nevada or Texas?
Miguel Barajas yes you can, if they are needing help. You will have to check with them...
I think Nevada had has reciprocity with California. However, some sates do not, I am a Plumbing Contractor in California and moved to Idaho and had to do a lot of work once there proving. I first had to reapply for the Journeyman and take all of the tests once I obtained that I had to do the same thing to become a contractor again. Process took about a year. I guess at least now because of reciprocity with states I have the whole western sea board covered.
Kevin Bergstrom thank you for the information!
Master plumber here ...35 years in Local 364 in SoCalif. Didn't learn a thing in my apprenticeship....What else ya wanna know?
What does a Journeymen Plumber in TX make per hour? I want to move to TX but in Chicago were at 52 an hour.
Licensed plumber in two different states one being in Hawaii good thing about the union was the size of the jobs seeing plumbing jobs from 12' underground to the roof drains . Good things about service work is the devsity of the call it can be a simple vacuum breaker on a hose bib or a slab leak and repipe. Ive been on both sides union and non union and agree with with you a lot of good on both sides as longs as you enjoy the plumbing trade. Only thing is i used to get double union dues taking out when I started over 25 years ago which didn't seem fair.
Working dues and window dues it sucks
I can only speak for me personally, my union (local 68) has been great for me. As a service plumber, I believe I would not of had the success I have now without the apprentice program or the many additional classes they offer. Ultimately however I think it just comes down to what works for each person individually.
BlackBird I love the union. Local 68 is great. I think they actually train service. My local still doesn’t and that’s part of what killed me. I was once an instructor in the UA. I think the training program is wonderful if you have the right people running it at the local level. If not... you get what you get.... Good luck down in Houston it’s a great place to be a plumber.
Just joined local 68 seems like the union has a high success rate
@@austinstarke4316 Glad to here. It goes by quickly, as hard as that is to believe at the start.
I was a plumber in local 690 and hated it honestly it was to Political for me a lot of favoritism and extra BS that I did not agree with so now I work for a private company after resigning from the union and I’m happier than I ever been but being in the union and the plumber I am today which is a very good very proficient plumber so I did get some growth from being in the union that much I can say
If you wanna get in the union, know someone.
Retired vet moving to Texas in 3 months. Love working with tools and out doors. How can I find an apprentice job with a union?
I remember a union guy who told me the union was going to upgrade their old typewriting machine. They decided not to move forward because they feared the old employee would have a hard time learning and may lose hours.
So yes unions are good in keeping jobs but they prevent advancement in trades and productivity. Sometimes there needs to be a balance.
Makes me wonder if the automobile companies were dragged down by the union.
I'm trying to join the UA union (3rd year non-union) apprentice... but every one says work isn't stable and I'll be sol... idk what to do about this crap and currently kinda unhappy with my current sercumstance
I am a fan and have watched a lot of your videos but this one just popped up in my feed and I HAD to see what your opinions on Unions are.
here are some quotes that I simply wanted to address from my perspective:
"I would rather see a way that I can pay them a lower amount, and incentivize them..."
I understand you said that you wanted to incentivize your employees, but the first part of that sentence is what perks the ears of union members.
Lower wages and raises for doing a better job is literally how most business would say they operate today, but if you look at the numbers, companies without a union, even with "incentives" almost always pay less than a company with a union simply because there is nobody to stop the company without a union from continuing to dwindle pay and reducing the incentives.
"you are liable to get blackballed or told we really don't need you around anymore you're doing too good of a job"
This is one issue that I always had contention with when I was in a union, the issue isn't that they simply fire someone for doing a good job, but if the person is doing so much more than quota it can cause a huge issue with work flow and even job security. my first job was not a union job and I worked hard and busted hump every day under the promise that "There will always be more work" but the truth was that two months before the contract was due I was laid off because the contract was completely fulfilled two months early, this made the company I worked for very happy and it made the customer very happy and left me out of work for two months. While I understand this seems unfair to the company to deliberately not work as hard as I can, I thought it was unfair to lay me off for two months because I had worked so hard to get the quota met. The only difference is that the company made their money regardless of the timetable and I had to settle with the unemployment pay I was getting until I could find a new job.
"There is no growth plan"
"why aren't unions trying to get everyone to join?" I thought when I first joined a union. The truth is that companies will literally close down businesses to avoid a union forming and it ultimately is up to the employees if they want to form or join a union, so beyond pamphlets and advertising there is little that they can do.
Union is a great deal. Got in when I was 20 and it was a great decision, not perfect but would highly recommend
I'm trying to get out of CA and move to TX
Does a plumber have to be in the union to work in TX. I wanna move to the woodlands area
The growth part is obejectively the biggest issue since unions are conservative from change. I mean we need to be bigger and open up to ideas that helps everyone.
Dues and paying for the apprenticeship is part of your package so it doesnt effect your actual take home pay which is way more then non union
Make a change roger!👊
The UA is second to none. Two years in, Local 333. Best choice for anybody wanting to get in to the pipe trades.
The problem with my local union is i need NEED to be home every night i dont have a problem working 15 hours a day but i have 4 kids i gotta be a dad for so my local union does all their work very far away from home and i dont have time for that
Can you make more as a service plumber or union plumber?
do any other U.A locals offer piece work or is it just local 46
I am local 63 iron workers union in Chicago, and my union is exactly how u said it with the benefits and hourly wage and the training but in my experience there is a dark side I won’t go into but I have also worked for some really good non union companies that offer the training and really try to be there and help the guys they have working for them that show up and try to do a good job, so I would say it depends on u the employee that will determine your outcome either union or non on how your work life will go
I wanna know more about the spooky dark side
4th Year Apprentice UA 469- Best thing for me is plethora of training opportunities from the apprenticeship
I will be applying for the apprenticeship, any tips?
@@martinezelmy88 Show up every day, and apply yourself. Ask questions when you do not understand something. If you end up working with people with negative attitudes do your best to learn what not to do from them.
I have been in and out of the union ! It's good !
Prevailing wages are not entirely "your money".
Union Electrician 1st year apprentice the best thing is the job stability and the pay dad is in the Same local as I am and my moms dad was too in this area where work isn’t always steady my dad has always had and I hope I will too
I think that the Unions were first created to protect the workers from bad bosses/owner, unsafe conditions, and get a way to talk with bosses/owners.
IMO, we really need that in the world because they are meant keep the bad bosses/owners in check, stop bad laws, and help maintain a good standard. Unions also help the people at the top to know what's going on and how the workers are doing.
Unions have, in general, gotten corrupt, greedy, and forgot what they are supposed to be doing but that can only really be done from the inside from the bottom up.
A good, healthy, and successful business requires a symbiotic relationship between the owner/boss and the workers. The owner needs the worker just as much as the worker needs the owner.
Is Union plumbing a bad idea at age 32 wife an 3 kids? Is it too risky due to lay offs to try an get in? Also here in Indiana Local 440 does anyone know union dues?
I'm not familiar with that Union and the price....but 32 is a great age to get into the trades...sooner rather than later!
I'm applying to become an apprentice with my local union and they said the starting pay is 18 an hr then 36 an hr with benefits. Don't really understand the pay scale. Do I make 18 an hr or 36?
You'll get paid 18/hr on your check minus whatever percentage the union snatches up, the higher number is just an inflated rate that's meant to get you excited, doesn't mean anything and you'll never see that money.
If you start in a open shop and say you put in some years got your wage up to let’s say $30/hr & then you wanted to go into a union does that mean you would have to start at the bare minimum wage that union offers?
I'm at a point where I'm looking to apply for union in kansas (plumber and pipe fitter).. anybody know or give me couple of comments on it??
i tryed plumber quite a few times more plumbers i worked with pretty much told grab a hammer and nail and go to work....instand of teaching or training ..so im starting to think if ya wanna lesrn the trade union is probably the way to go
I'm a UA plumber and pipefitter. It's really the only way to earn a decent living to support a family including retirement and Healthcare. Non-union will never pay you even close, respect you the same, or teach you as much. Honestly I went non union for a few years and could barely survive. Greedy people who take advantage of their men who are just happy to be working. Just my experience
My experience is the same… I’ve never been in a union I’m gonna apply here soon. It was hell just getting the hours but i finally got my residential license so here go union service plumbing baby
Thanks for insight
I’m a first year apprentice in Indiana. Non-union. Anybody know if non-union apprenticeships transfer to union?
I'll gladly pay dues to have somebody helping me find work.
Idk where your located but it’s def a big difference in pay for union vs non union
True S.C.A.B. Nice mustache by the way.😂
Sam here in Ohio 33 years old. 9 years in the Laborers International Union of North America. Local 310 Cleveland. Its hard work but not everyone can work from home
IBEW member here, was open shop for 7yrs prior to joining union. Ive seen lots of shoddy work done in open shop because it was quantity over quality. Most union members take pride in their work and will not install shoddy work or work in unsafe conditions. Youd have to do something very stupid to get fired, however layoffs are commonly handed out to unproductive members. We work just as hard as open shop, but difference is we dont try to do a 4 man job with 2 people. Training is excellent, we can take any class for free. We also required to renew some training certifications every 3 yrs.Our bennies include heath insurance for self and family. 2 pensions and a 401k annuity. One pension we get comes from only paying dues. You could have never work a union job, but keep and membership and youll have a pension payment when you retire.
As an ex-union member. I know it was the unions (mostly the SEIU) that pushed for the $15 pay scale. With many SEIU scales at $15 to $20 an hour. It wasn't long we are hear every SEIU wanting to up their contracts. Saying they don't get paid enough.
What's the beat you used when talking?